Pollution Solution banner drop over the M32

At 5.45am on the 20th of September Bristol Climate Rush hung a banner over the M32 as part of the build up to World Car Free Day. Thousands of drivers read ‘POLLUTION SOLUTION’ as they passed under a pedestrian bridge that arches over the motorway. The banner was visible throughout the morning rush hour.Bristol has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the country. Every weekday, half a million vehicles cross in and out of the city centre. The average speed for cars in the centre is just 11 mph at peak times. Air quality in Bristol fails to meet national standards.

This isn’t about us telling Bristolians what to do, it’s about all of us together making the city more pleasant to live in! So many people in Bristol rely on their cars, which is a shame for a city that takes pride in sustainability. One car free day each week would bring huge benefits to air quality, health, traffic, business and enjoyment. World Car Free Day gives us an annual opportunity to imagine what that might be like.

We should be giving priority to walking, cycling and public transport, instead of to the car. Our politicians and council officials need to tackle our transport problems and create integrated transport policies for the long term. The politicians have their part to play but ultimately this problem (and the possibility of a solution) comes down to our individual choices. This is why we're planning some actions to highlight the antisocial behaviour of many motorists. Cars are choking our city, it’s time to take action!World Car Free Day is a worldwide annual event that asks people to leave their car at home on Saturday 22nd September.